NDLEA Insists Drug Trafficking Case Against Abba Kyari Remains Active Despite Court Ruling

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has reaffirmed that its substantive drug trafficking case against suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police Abba Kyari is still ongoing and remains unaffected by a recent court ruling that cleared him of separate allegations.

The clarification follows a judgment delivered by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, who discharged Kyari in a 23-count charge involving alleged money laundering and non-declaration of assets.

The anti-narcotics agency emphasized that the ruling addressed a different case entirely and should not be interpreted as affecting the principal drug trafficking prosecution currently before the court.

NDLEA Clarifies Legal Position

Responding to public inquiries and widespread reactions to the court’s ruling, NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi explained that the drug-related charges remain active and will proceed as scheduled.

According to Babafemi, the substantive case is being handled by Justice Emeka Nwite at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

He confirmed that the case is set to resume on March 16, 2026.

Babafemi stressed that the judgment delivered by Justice Omotosho should not be confused with the ongoing drug trafficking prosecution.

“First, I need to clarify that the ruling by Justice Omotosho is completely different from the main and substantive drug case which continues before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday, March 16, 2026. That one is very much on course,” Babafemi said.

The agency reiterated that it remains committed to pursuing the drug charges through the legal process until a final determination is reached.

NDLEA Reviewing Court Judgment

While reacting to questions about whether the agency intends to appeal the ruling that discharged Kyari in the earlier case, Babafemi stated that the prosecution team has been instructed to obtain the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment.

The NDLEA said the document will be carefully reviewed by its legal team and management before any decision is taken regarding a possible appeal.

According to the spokesperson, a detailed examination of the judgment will help determine whether there are sufficient legal grounds to challenge the court’s decision at a higher level.

Complex Legal Battles

The suspended police officer now faces multiple legal challenges that have unfolded over the past few years.

Once regarded as one of Nigeria’s most celebrated crime-fighting officers, Abba Kyari rose to national prominence during his time as head of the Intelligence Response Team of the Nigeria Police Force.

However, his reputation later became embroiled in controversy following allegations linking him to international fraud suspect Ramon Abbas, popularly known as Hushpuppi.

Subsequently, additional allegations emerged accusing Kyari of involvement in drug trafficking activities, leading to his suspension from the police force and prosecution by the NDLEA.

Ongoing Court Proceedings

The NDLEA has maintained that it possesses sufficient evidence to prosecute the drug case and remains determined to see the matter through the judicial process.

Legal analysts note that the separation of the charges means that Kyari’s discharge in one case does not automatically translate into victory in the other.

As a result, attention will now shift to the proceedings scheduled for March 16, when the court will resume hearing the substantive drug trafficking allegations.

The outcome of the case could have significant implications not only for Kyari but also for the broader efforts of Nigerian law enforcement agencies to tackle drug trafficking and corruption within the security sector.

For now, the NDLEA insists the case remains firmly before the court and will proceed in accordance with the law.